Cyber Monday is upon us, and many shoppers will be wringing their wrists in frustration at the simple question: Windows laptop, or Apple MacBook?
Have no fear, though: the TechRadar team is here to help. With more than eight years of experience testing computer hardware and over a hundred laptop reviews under my belt, I’ll be comparing two of the most popular laptops that have seen discounts this sale season: the Apple MacBook Air and the HP Omnibook X Flip.
Today’s best HP Omnibook X Flip deals
Today’s best Apple MacBook Air deals
Another key difference between these two laptops is the operating system: the Omnibook X Flip uses Windows 11, while the MacBook Air naturally runs on Apple‘s own macOS. Although there are plenty of similarities, these two OSs do feel quite different to use in practice, so if you’re more familiar with one than the other, it can and should influence your decision – learning to use a new OS interface can be a challenge, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
There’s also the question of software compatibility. If you know you’ll be expected to use specific applications on your laptop (for work, or perhaps educational purposes), then be sure to research whether those apps can run on Windows 11 and macOS; you don’t want to be left in the lurch after buying a laptop that won’t run the software you need.
Now, let’s talk price – or more specifically, let’s talk value for money. Best Buy has the best discounts on both HP and Apple laptops this Cyber Monday, so I’ll be using that retailer’s prices for comparison purposes. The cheapest M4 MacBook Air you can get there will cost you $749, making it significantly more expensive than the $500 Omnibook X Flip I’ve included above (that’s a particularly good deal, in my opinion). However, even the most affordable M4 MacBook Air will outperform HP’s laptop in some areas, so if it’s performance you’re aiming for, don’t count Apple out.
Conversely, at the higher-spec end, it seems like a clean sweep for the MacBook Air. The high-end 16-inch Omnibook X Flip configurations on offer at Best Buy will all cost you north of a thousand bucks, while the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is currently available for a very reasonable $949. Apple fans should also consider the M2 MacBook Air – it’s a bit older now, but it’s still a seriously nippy machine that would make for an excellent upgrade to an older Intel-powered Mac at just $649.
Really, the biggest factor here should probably be the OS. If you’re more familiar with macOS, opt for the MacBook Air; if you prefer Windows, pick the Omnibook. But in terms of sheer value for money, I’d personally vote for that 14-inch HP Omnibook X Flip – I like a 2-in-1 laptop, and that 2K touchscreen is one feature no MacBook can offer.
Shop more of today’s best Cyber Monday sales
- Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
- Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
- Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
- Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
- Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
- Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
- Lowe’s: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
- Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
- Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
- T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
- Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
- Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor
